If they can get that close - - just load a program - then hide it. If not, why not... Also, how is what NSA did both simple and clever?

It's simple and clever, because one normally blocks existing pathways from their computer to the outside world. You can turn off wi-fi, blue-tooth, shut ports to your ethernet connections, etc. But an innocuous electronic device you're not aware of, that is connected to your data bus and transmitting on a separate radio band is genius. No hacking of software to bypass firewalls or routers. People often run virus-scans, disconnect physically from outside connections, but I bet they don't figure on a hidden radio signal in their computer. I dislike what the NSA is doing when it comes to spying on ordinary Americans, but I can still admire cleverness.

It's simple and clever, because one normally blocks existing pathways from their computer to the outside world. You can turn off wi-fi, blue-tooth, shut ports to your ethernet connections, etc. But an innocuous electronic device you're not aware of, that is connected to your data bus and transmitting on a separate radio band is genius. No hacking of software to bypass firewalls or routers. People often run virus-scans, disconnect physically from outside connections, but I bet they don't figure on a hidden radio signal in their computer. I dislike what the NSA is doing when it comes to spying on ordinary Americans, but I can still admire cleverness.